Royally Ever After (Royals of Valleria #7) by Marianne Knightly Page B

Shouldn’t.
    A king shouldn’t cry.
    “I’ll fall with you.” Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Let’s fall together.”
    The dam burst forth. His arms wrapped like bands of steel around her, emotion pouring forth.
    His father.
    His sister.
    Their wedding.
    Another possible threat.
    Everything came crashing out at once.
    Their bodies heaved, not with passion but with shared grief. Why had he waited so long to let go? When would he realize he didn’t need to hold back with her, not with anything?
    It was several minutes before he calmed; Rebecca had calmed before him. With puffy faces and red eyes, he brushed his lips against hers. “What time is it?” he asked gruffly.
    “Nearly eight. I wanted you to sleep a little more. I’m sorry.”
    “Stop apologizing for taking care of me.” He brushed a lock of hair from her face. “How are you doing with all of this?”
    “I’m okay. You’ve got so much on your mind, Alex, don’t worry about me.”
    “You’re stronger than I am, certainly.”
    “Why would you say that?”
    “You weren’t a blubbering mess like I just was.”
    Rebecca snorted. “Did you forget my tears this morning? And in the bathroom before our nap? And there were other times besides those. I’m a bigger blubbering mess than you.”
    “Rebecca,” he admonished. “Why didn’t you come to me? You shouldn’t be crying alone.”
    “I wasn’t alone, not the first time anyway. My parents were with me.”
    “I feel as though I’ve let you down.”
    “How can you possibly think that?”
    “Rebecca.”
    “No. You haven’t let me down. You’ve let no one down.” She broke free of his arms and sat up. “Everyone is so proud of you, Alex, especially me.”
    His heart swelled under her words.
    “No one’s disappointed in you. But you’re doing so much on your own. When will you get it through your thick head that you don’t need to handle everything by yourself? When will you finally realize that you’re not alone? You’re not alone. Not now, not ever.” She crossed her arms over her chest, thrusting her stunning breasts and soft nipples higher. “What else should I do? I’ve tried everything I know to help you. I’ve tried to keep my distance. I’ve tried to give you space. I’ve done the opposite as well.”
    A grin lit Alex’s face; his fiancée was beautiful when she was angry, though he didn’t think now was the time to mention that. “Rebecca.”
    She scrambled from the bed. “No. Here’s what’s going to happen. I’m going to take a shower – alone. You can take a shower in one of the empty guest bedrooms – and don’t try sneaking into ‘wedding central’, either. After we’re dressed, we’re having dinner with your family – whom you will call on to help you – and then you’re going to go get ready for tomorrow’s stupid Council meeting, while I greet your extended family as they arrive for the wedding. Do you understand?”
    A smile, big and broad, stretched his cheeks. “Yes, darling.”
    “Good.” She swiveled around and walked away, muttering about a ‘stubborn, thick-headed fiancé’ as she did.
    Alex collapsed back on the bed. He stared up at their ceiling and thanked God for a woman who wasn’t afraid to call him on his shit. Sometimes Alex needed a kick in the ass.
    Thank God he found a woman who kicked with purpose, and whose aim was true.

Chapter Eight
    R ebecca , still slightly perturbed with Alex, strode swiftly next to him on their way to the dining room. Showered and dressed, he felt somewhat refreshed, but could still use a good night’s sleep.
    “Are you done being angry with me yet, darling?”
    Her shoulders stiffened. “I’m not angry with you. Exactly.”
    He chuckled and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, tugging her to his side as they walked. “You’re adorable when you’re angry.”
    “Alex,” she warned.
    “Don’t worry about me, all right? I heard you loud and clear.”
    “Did you?”
    He nodded.